Event

Millions of Muslims around the world began fasting this year on May 17 from sunrise to sunset for an entire month, a time of contemplation, fortitude and intense worship. Fasting in this month means complete abstinence from food and drink every day from dawn to sunset for an individual although there are exceptions for children, the elderly, the sick, those traveling and women who are pregnant or nursing. Integral University held an hour long session on 19th of May, at the Central Auditorium, University Campus, to bring out the best practices and the health aspects.

The Human Resource Development Centre (HRDC), Integral University headed by Prof. Syed Aqeel Ahmad, Director, HRDC and Dr. Nitin Ranjan Gupta, IIMS successfully coordinated the special session. Esteemed doctors from the state were invited to share tips on the management of Fasting, following the best practices. Prof. Kauser Usman, Department of Medicine, KGMU, Lucknow focused on the Health Issues during this month.

Fasting is a physical and spiritual experience that requires a great deal of preparation. For a couple of years, the month of fasting falls in summer and spring months, which may continue for a decade or so, the daylight lasts approximately 17 to 19 hours, therefore, it increases the number of fasting hours. The fasts can improve a person’s health, but – if the correct diet is not followed, it can possibly worsen it. The deciding factor is not the fast itself, but rather what is consumed in the non-fasting hours. The diet should be simple and not differ too much from one’s normal everyday diet. It should contain foods from all the major food groups. He advised not to fast if the diabetic is 300 plus because it increases the possibility of cardinal diseases.

He also drew attention that the holy Quran exempts the sick people from fasting. If such people fast, they harm the body and that will be a sin. Dr. Usman reflected on many of the benefits of fasting, he stressed on physical exercises and lifestyle modification being the best solutions to insulin problems.

Dr Khwaja Tariq Hasan, Naturopathy Expert talked in detail about precautions while fasting. He said that in general the diet must be balanced and there should not be over eating at the time of aftar. He advised to go to bed and rise early in the morning.

For naturopathy, he talked about mental, physical and spiritual fitness; he explained asana, parayana and meditation. Dr. Hasan pointed out on the role of cleanliness, exercise, diet and 3R, rest, relaxation and recreation. He said that body, mind and soul are Yog. The session ended with a healthy question and answer session.